OSHA’s Anticipated Covid-19 Vaccine and Testing Guidelines for Large Businesses
November 19, 2021 by Keely Knopp
On Nov. 5, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration released its anticipated Emergency Temporary Standard concerning COVID vaccination mandates and testing for companies with more than 100 employees.
While the ETS is currently on hold by the U.S. Court of Appeals for further legal review, the verbiage of the ETS shows OSHA is serious about protecting Americans from COVID-19 in the workplace.
Employers should take this ETS seriously and begin planning to ensure compliance with the OSHA mandates. This may include: determining whether your company is covered under the ETS mandates, establishing protocols for employee vaccination records, and devising a system to conduct employee testing for those unwilling or unable to receive one of the COVID-19 vaccines. Although enforcement of the ETS is currently suspended pending court challenges, experts recommend that now is a good time to establish solid regulations and processes in the event the ETS is upheld in court and OSHA begins enforcement.
Mercy Urgent Care and Mercy Occupational Medicine can help companies navigate many of the questions around the OSHA ETS to ensure your company is compliant regarding testing protocols. To talk with our occupational staff regarding the OSHA ETS or other occupational health needs, contact us at 828-254-7576 or at mom@mercyurgentcare.org.
Sources: US Dept of Labor, White House.gov, OSHA
